The SPCA and the Truth

We are grateful for the following comments in reference to a recent blog post on Free Brindi about SPCA Executive Director Kristin Williams' recent letter to the Herald defending her organization's role in "caring" for Brindi:

"The SPCA is never in favour of euthanasia where a viable alternative exists..."  

Looking at the statistics from the SPCA regarding animals received, placed and killed in a year, there seems to be a disproportionate number of sick/behavioral animals that were killed. We are curious: what constitutes sick/behavioral? Who makes this determination? Are they qualified to make such decisions regarding life and death? Is space an issue in this decision in any way -- because it would take time and space to make a animal adoptable?

 

"...the SPCA has advocated for [Brindi and has]... kept an open dialogue with HRM regarding Brindi’s health and well-being.."

But did you ever exercise your right to speak up on her behalf to say that Brindi is the gentle, loving dog that so many of your staff/volunteers have stated? If so, and if it was ignored, why did you not take the next step to tell the mayor who could easily end this travesty IF HE WANTED. That the mayor could put an end to this at any time and send Brindi home has been confirmed by MP Peter Stoffer numerous times. This makes Mayor Kelly equally complicit in this scandalous act; a reflection on his style of government. And a sad reflection on the city of Halifax.

"If the judge rules that Brindi is to be euthanized, it will not be carried out by the SPCA, nor will it occur on SPCA property."

Does this have anything to do with the loss of the HRM contract? Like NOW the SPCA speaks up?  

And what about all the other animals killed by the SPCA each year on their property? Will that continue? Again we ask about the sick/behavioral animals.

It is the job of a good marketing person to re-spin a story and bring their client into a favorable light. It's generally labeled "damage control." A perfect example is how far Michael Vick has come from being the evil henchman responsible for so many horrendous acts of cruelty against dogs. He stepped away from his life for a year and suffered some losses, but is currently back playing football for huge amounts of money and being considered for a reality tv show. No harm, no foul, right? It's like what he did never happened while many of the dogs from his dog fighting operation continue to mend from their experiences while in his care. 

Am I comparing the SPCA to Michael Vick? 

On some levels, maybe we are, for not doing the right thing and now spinning a new tale.  

• The SPCA is trusted to be the voice for the voiceless, first and foremost. They know Brindi is a kind and gentle dog, yet have not spoken up on her behalf. This is a right they have that carries more influence than most others of us have. Yet they have remained silent, allowing her unreasonable and unhealthy impoundment to continue for 566 days and counting. In addition, we believe it was based upon their recommendation that Francesca's visits be terminated. Some advocating for Brindi, huh? 
• Their image has been tarnished, so they must now craft a new image for themselves; they must "market" themselves in the same way you polish an apple to make it look good. You can rub an apple with a cloth and make it the prettiest apple in the bunch, but inside it can be just as rotten as it was without the shine. So we suggest that we not fall for the "words" of the SPCA as they scramble to redeem themselves from some pretty big lapses in judgement recently. 

Let's wait and see if their words are backed up by substantive actions and genuine change. THEN our faith will be restored. But not before.  

SPCA: We urge you to advocate FOR Brindi. Speak of her gentle character. And recommend she be released to her owner with certain reasonable conditions. She deserves her life back. Let Francesca show the doubters that she is indeed a responsible pet owner. Let her become the contributing member of community she has always been and always intended.

We are longtime Brindi supporters and believe she should be released to Francesca ASAP.


For other commentary, see Titanic Bugle and the comments there.